Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-16

The use of these Implements. it may be
again observed, has transferred the bulk
of farm labor from the hill-farms to the
more level fields. Formerly, it was the
old hill-farms on which our grandfathers
settled to get away from early frosts and
to be up above their neighbors. that held
the power of our New England agricul-
ture. On these sideways fields the slow,
sure stepping oxen, was the standard
team. They would pillow anywhere; and
handle hay rack full of hay when it
would almost tumble off over their heads.
But the moving machine came. 1t must
be hauled by horses and it would not
work we'll on these rough hillsides.
So with this advancing agricul-
ture the mower was driven to the low,
smooth meadows, the oxen gave place to
the horse team, and the hill farms were
abandoned. Here is another interesting
and not often thought OF point in the com
parative value of the OK or horse team for
farm work.
There is however an advantage for the
sturdy reliable. patient oxen as a work
team. They can be maintained on much
rougher, coarser fodder than horses can
be used on rougher roads, while in re-
spect to fortitude and patience the OK is
far superior to the horse. If a cart or
wagon is "set" in muddy road where
the footing is soft, or if any serious OBJ
struction impede the draught, the horses
soon lose heart. Not only are the horses
apt to fret themselves unduly when in such
position, but it generally occurs that
after the first trial or so have failed to get
the load out upon hard bottom. they
become discouraged and practically use
less. Then comes in the courage and
ability of the seven footers. The sturdy,
patient, solid oxen will try again and
again. They never chafe; they never
lose pluck; they never fail to respond
when the driver urges them. And while
the driver is fixing the load or trying to
clear away the obstruction, the oxen 60
to chewing the cud in don't care kind of
fashion, while waiting for the "gee
Bright" of the plucky teamster Score a
lift for the oxen here.
Col. Randolph B. Marcy, who was,
under President Taylor, connected with
the Engineer Corps of the United States
Army as its chief, was on duty much of
his career in the wilds of the then West
Some years ago he published an account
of his experience called Army Life on
the Border" Col. Marcy tells how in
passing from Utah to New Mexico over
the Rocky Mountains in winter. his trains
set out with horses, mules and oxen-the
latter of which were to be used as food =.
Col Marcy says: 81 found as soon as we
struck snow three feet deep that the mules
directly became disheartened, lay down,
and would not exert themselves. The
horses seemed more ambitious. and would
push their way through the snow as long
as possible; but they soon became weary
and gave out from exhaustion. But the
oxen slowly and deliberately ploughed
their way through the snow for long
time without becoming jaded."
Type of primitive but substantial
agriculture, the OK has had his day as a
factor of motive power upon the farm
but as still more important factor he
yet should have first place in Maine
agriculture. That place we may speak
of another time